Method and apparatus for movable structure having alternative accessible sides

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for a structure having a moving object are disclosed in the present application. The structure, in one embodiment, includes an object and a outside structure. A first side of outside structure is situated at a substantially fixed distance from a second side of outside structure. The structure further includes two links wherein a first end of a first link is coupled to the first side of outside structure and a second end of first link is coupled to the object. Also, a first end of a second link is coupled to the second side of outside structure and a second end of second link is coupled to the object. The object is capable of performing a rotaxially rotation in response to the first and second links.

PRIORITY

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and 37 C.F.R. 1.78, the present applicationclaims priority to the provisional application entitled “RotatableStorage with Alternatively Accessible Sides” Application No. 60/482,048,filed on Jun. 24, 2003, the inventor of which is William Jefferson StoneIII.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to rotating storage structuresthat are used for supporting, holding and safekeeping objects. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a reversing storagecabinet.

BACKGROUND

A typical structure, such as a cabinet, furniture, et cetera, maycontain rotatable unit(s), for example, a cabinet may have a “lazySusan” tray. These rotatable units have widespread applications fromcabinetry design to sophisticated high precision equipment. There are anumber of commercially available designs with regard to rotatable unitswithin a structure on the market.

There are storage cabinets known in the prior art that rotate around anaxis. For example, the storage cabinet described in U.S. Pat. No.6,273,531 by Scheffer (2001) is located on the top of a desk and can berotated around an axis. By rotating the cabinet around an axis one canalternatively access articles located on different sides of the cabinet.Other examples having similar designs are also described in variousreferences, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,492 by Molander et al (1986),U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,595 by Willis (1997) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,599 byWeisburn et al (1996).

There are disadvantages associated with these conventional designs. Forexample, the first disadvantage is loss of space because theseconventional designs require significant space around the rotatingobject so that it can perform a rotation around an axis. Space loss inthe front of the cabinet can typically be seen as temporary loss becausethe space is lost only when the cabinet is rotating. The space loss,however, is more wasteful when space is lost behind the cabinet. Spaceloss behind a cabinet is typically considered permanent loss of spacebecause such space has no practical utilization or compensationtemporary or XXX. Such permanent loss of space is illustrated in variousconventional designs, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610492by Molander et al (1986) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,531 by Scheffer (2001).

Another conventional design for rotating an object within a structureuses non-obstructive rotation. To provide non-obstructive rotation of anobject or cabinet, it is permanently moved forward away from a wall orother structure. A drawback associated with this design is space loss infront of the cabinet. This type of space loss can become a seriousproblem if space is at premium.

A second disadvantage associated with some conventional designs is lackof exclusive access. Conventional designs do not typically offerexclusive accessibility to one side of the storage cabinet while othersides of the cabinet are not accessible. This is not suitable whenalternative access to different sides is needed. Examples of thesesituations are the cabinets in which one of the cabinet sides is usedfor jewelry or expensive collectibles while another side of the cabinetstores firearms, etc. In order to resolve this problem, conventionaldesigns offer some designs including special enclosures and shields assuch those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610492 by Molander et al (1986).However, providing special enclosures and/or shields as solutions aretypically impractical in terms of convenience or cost, e.g. when storagecabinet is used for relatively large articles (books, TV sets, etc.).

A problem associated with the above-referenced designs is safety. Forexample, if the weight of stored articles in a cabinet is greater thenthe weight of the cabinet itself, the loaded cabinet can become heavyand cumbersome to rotate and may also create safety issues because itcould tip over if it is not supported from the top. However, providingsupport from the top may increase the complexity and bulkiness of suchdesigns and may also increase the total cost of the storage cabinet.

As mentioned, the problem in these conventional designs is waste ofspace. In the case of a bookcase in which the bookcase has two storagesides for accessing stored articles waste of space is significant inconventional rotating designs. To solve the problem of waste of space, aknown solution employs a cam system including cam followers and groovesto resolve the problem of waste of permanent space behind a shelf in acabinet as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,262 by Schill (1978).

The disclosed cam system can reduce extra space needed for rotation. Inother words, with application of the disclosed cam system, the rotatingshelf within the cabinet does not require a big clearance for rotation.When rotation is needed, the center of the shelf is moved forward on itstwo (top and bottom) centered cam followers sliding in the transversegrooves of the enclosure. A pair of followers, mounted on opposite sidesof the rotating shelf, guideone side to the opposite side of thestationary enclosure. In order for this rotation to perform correctly,these must be accurate grooves in the enclosure.

Even though the cam system reduces the problem of space waste, itgenerates new problems. For example, a problem associate with the camsystem is uneven loading of the cabinet weight. The cam system loads theentire weight of the shelf with its content on the bottom center camfollower. In addition to supporting the shelf during the rotation, thebottom center cam follower also guides itself along the transversegroove through out the enclosure. This multi-functionality of thecentral bottom cam follower lowers the reliability and lifetime of thecabinet.

Another problem associate with the disclosed cam system is that upperand lower cam followers move independently of each other in the guides.There is no guarantee that these guide will move synchronously. Quite tothe contrary, one cam always will tend to move faster than another. Thiswill happen for two reasons. First, uneven weight distribution of thecabinet articles inside the cabinet; and second, uneven pull or push ofthe shelf by the person rotating the shelf Independent movement of thecam followers may cause the cam followers to be jammed in the guides.Even if there is no jam there is a high degree of wear and tear in theguiding system, which shortens the lifetime of the cabinet.

The conventional design using a cam system with an upper guiding systemto support the cabinet in addition to the bottom guiding system, asdescribed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,262, adds an undesirablecomplication of the shelf design when the cabinet is used for lightloads and top support is not needed.

Another problem with the design of the cam system is that it isdimension dependent. When dimensions of the cabinet are such that it isnot deep but wide, the center cam follower of the cabinet is required toextend outside of the cabinet enclosure for shelf rotation. This addsserious complications in the cabinet design by requiring dynamicelongations to the guiding grooves of the enclosure with telescopingguides. Also for heavy loaded cabinets that are not deep but wide it isespecially impractical for reliability and safety concerns.

FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,262 also shows wasted space on the leftand right sides of the cabinet. In order to compensate for some of thiswaste, the left and right sides of the shelf are of cylindricallyshaped. This design prevents two or more such cabinets to be placed nextto each other in close proximity without wasted space. When the user hasmore than one cabinet it is advantageous to place them next to eachother without wasted space for convenience of use and also for savingthe total space allocated for the cabinets.

What is needed, therefore, is a cabinet with alternatively accessiblesides that is economical in utilizing the space around it, convenientfor accessing different sides of this cabinet, has some practical way ofpreventing access to side that are supposed to be inaccessible at giventime, is strong so it can handle heavy loads using a reliable low wearmechanical arrangement for jam free rotation and is simple in design andnot expensive when handling light loads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a compound movement link mechanism thatallows an object to move from the space it occupies in one orientationand return to the same space in a different orientation. Preferably theobject is a support structure having at least two selectively accessiblesides. In a preferred embodiment, the object is supported by a pair ofsynchronis compound movement link mechanisms. Objectives of variousaspects of the invention are mentioned below.

In view of the above-stated disadvantages of the prior art, objectivesof the invention include providing an improved rotational storage forapplications where alternative access to different sides of the cabinetis practical or needed.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a storage cabinet thatis economical in utilizing the space allocated for it. In addition to beeconomical in utilizing the space around storage the cabinet, its designshould provide alternative of access to different sides of the cabinetwith convenience and ease.

A further objective of the invention is to provide limited access to theside or sides of the cabinet that are not being accessed at a giventime. This secure access should be achieved economically and withsimplicity of design.

A still further objective of the invention is to provide a storagecabinet that can be utilized for applications with heavy loads such asfor example storing books, firearms, electronic equipment, etc.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a storage cabinet thatcan be simple in design with low cost for light load applications suchas for example CD's, DVD's, stamp collections, etc.

A reversable storage cabinet with alternatively accessible sides, in oneembodiment, includes a storage structure, which is used to hold at leastone article. Means for holding the storage structure includes afour-link mechanism, wherein three of the links are serially connected.The three serially connected links are rotatably connected to twooutside ends of a fourth link at two substantially separated locations.The fourth link is substantially stationary. The middle link of threeserially connected links is a part of the storage structure allowingreorientation of the storage structure relative to the fourth stationarylink for alternative access to the sides of storage cabinet.

Additional features and benefits of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description, figures and claims set forthbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detaileddescription given below and from the accompanying drawings of variousembodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken tolimit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanationand understanding only.

FIG. 1A-1M are diagrams illustrating a storage structure in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2-FIG. 3 are diagrams of storage structure with different storagearticles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A-4D are diagrams illustrating light articles storage mounted on adesk in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A-5E are diagrams a compound movement link mechanism for a storagestructure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A-6E are schematic representations illustrating an operations ofthe storage with outside joints of the four link mechanism moved back onthe stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7A-7E are schematic representations illustrating operations of thestorage with outside joints of the four-link mechanism located indiagonal corners of the stationary plate in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A-8A are schematic representations illustrating operations of thestorage with outside joints of a four link mechanism located in diagonalcorners of the stationary plate and storage moving 90° between positionsof alternate access in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9A-9B are diagrams illustrating a storage designed for light loadsmounted on a desk with rotaxial designed illustrated in FIG. 8A-8E;

FIG. 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating a storage moving betweenalternate access positions around horizontal axes in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A-11D are diagrams illustrating an application of the proposedinvention with four square storages mounted next to each other on onesquare stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of presentinvention;

FIG. 12A-12D are diagrams illustrating a wheel system in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13A-13C are diagrams illustrating a best assembly in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a set of diagrams illustrating a rotating object performing arotaxial movement in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled inthe art that these specific details may not be required to practice thepresent invention. In other instances, well-known mechanical, circuitry,and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring thepresent invention.

In the following description of the embodiments, substantially the sameparts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, while referencessuch as top, bottom and side may be used throughout the specification,it is to be understood that their orientation requirements are only tofacilitate the explanation of the various embodiments and depending onthe application, the top could be the side or bottom or vice verse.

An apparatus for a reversible storage system 100 having a moving object102 are disclosed in the present application. The reversible storagesystem 100, in one embodiment, includes an object 102 and a frame 200. Afirst side of frame is situated at a substantially fixed distance from asecond side of frame. The reversible storage system 100 further includestwo links 304 and 308 wherein a first end of a first link 304 is coupledto the first side of frame and a second end of first link is coupled tothe object 102. Also, a first end of a second link 308 is coupled to thesecond side of frame and a second end of second link 308 is coupled tothe object 102. The object 102 is capable of performing a rotaxiallyrotation in response to the first and second links 304 and 308.

FIG. 1A-1M are diagrams illustrating a design of a structure with amoveable object in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 1A shows one embodiment wherein the structure with amoveable object comprises a reversible storage system 100 which includesa movable object 102 that holds articles. Rersible storage system 100also includes an outside structure 200, bottom rotaxial linkagemechanism 300 (Shown best in FIG. 1C) and top rotaxial linkage mechanism400 (shown best in FIG. 1C).

Referring to FIG. 1A, movable object 102, in this embodiment, includes afirst accessible side 111, a second accessible side 121 (not shown), abottom plate 104, a top plate 106, and sidewalls 108, 110. The firstreversible side 111 in this embodiment is a bookcase includes shelves112 to hold articles 114. As shown for illustration in given example,these articles 114 are books. The bookcase 111 also includes verticalwall 116 which is visible behind the books. The vertical wall 116 is oneof the strengthening elements of the bookcase 111 together with thesidewalls 108, 110, and the top and bottom plates 104, 106.

In one embodiment, the shelves 112 are adjustable and form a shelvingsystem. The shelving system may help provide overall support to themovable object 102. Different shelf arrangements or configurations canprovide different support to the bookcase 111. Adjustable shelvesprovide flexibility so that the shelves 112 can be arranged to aparticular need. Vertical wall 116, in one embodiment, separates thefirst accessible side 111 and the second accessible side 121 of themovable object 102 for alternative access.

The outside structure 200 provides structural support for the movableobject 102. The outside structure 200 includes a top stationary plate210, a bottom plate 202, and two vertical support members 204 and 206.In this embodiment, the outside structure 200 is anchored to a wall 212via two security brackets 214 and 216.

FIG. 1B depicts the movable object 102 moved from the original spacethat it occupied. Portions of the link mechanism 400, which will bedescribed more fully with regard to FIG. 1F can be seen.

FIGS. 1C and 1D show the second accessible side 121 of movable object102, which in this embodiment isan entertainment center. The secondaccessible side 121 of the movable object 102, as shown in FIGS. 1C, 1Dand 1E, includes shelves 118, articles 120 (TV set), stereo system 122,collection of CD's 124, and collection of tapes 126. These articles 114,120, 122, 124 and 126 are shown for illustration purposes and the secondaccessible side 121 can have different shelving configurations anddifferent articles for holding, storing or safekeeping. Examples ofother articles include wine, jewelry, stamps, rifles, and guns.

The entertainment center embodiment includes protective glass covers 103and 132 which are preferably attached with hinges as depicted in FIGS.1C, 1D and 1E. These protective glass covers 130 and 132 may, if desiredalso be included on the first accessible side 111. To provide secureaccess to the articles in the entertainment center, keyed (or keyless)locks 134 (FIGS. 1C, 1E, 2) may be installed on the protective glasscovers 130 and 132.

As seen in FIG. 1C, in one embodiment, the shelves include moldings 140prevent stored articles from sliding off of the shelf during rough,sudden, or fast rotation.

The outside structure 200 of this embodiment, best depicted in FIG. 1F,provides support for the movable object 102 and also supports therotaxial link mechanisms 300 and 400. In this embodiment, outsidestructure 200 includes a stationary base 202, a top stationary plate 210(shown in FIG. 1A) and vertical support members 204, 206 locatedrespectively on the left and right sides of the outside structure 200.Base 202 preferably rests on floor. Vertical support members 204 and 206at their lower ends are attached firmly to base 202 and their upper endsare firmly connected to top stationary plate 210. All four components(202, 204, 206 and 210) form the strong outside structure 200. A strongoutside structure 200 is desirable when heavy loads are introduced. Foradditional vertical stability, the top plate 210 is anchored to a wall212 of the environment where the reversible storage structure 100 islocated by security brackets 214 and 216. In another embodiment,vertical support members 204 and 206 may be directly anchored to aconcrete floor for heavy loading applications. In yet anotherembodiment, vertical support members 204 and 206 may be anchored to aceiling or roof. In certain applications it may be desirable toeliminate both the base 202 and the top plate 210 and attach thevertical supports directly to the floor or ceiling of the environment inwhich the reversible storage structure is located.

Referring back to FIG. 1F, the reversible storage structure 100 furtherincludes a bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 and a top rotaxiallinkage mechanism 400. Depending on the application, and the loading, ofthe movable object 102, top rotaxial linkage 400 may not be necessary.

The rotaxial linkage mechanism includes multiple links capable ofrotaxially, that is a combination of a rotating movement and atransverse movement. Preferably the rotaxial linkage mechanism isconstructed to allow an object to be moved from an original space in afirst orientation and returned to the original space in a differentorientation. Preferably the rotaxial linkage mechanism includes a firstlink 304 and a second link 308. The outer ends of first and second links304 and 308 of rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 may be rotatably connectedto the base 202. Preferably base 202 has risers on each side to whichthe first and second links are preferably rotatably connected by firstand second pins 310 and 312. The inner ends of first and second links304 and 308 are preferably rotatably connected to plate 306 by third andfourth pins 314 and 316. A plate 306, in this embodiment, is preferablybolted to the bottom plate 104 of the movable object 102. First andsecond links 304 and 308 and plate 306 are connected serially and form athree movable link chain. This three-link chain together with thestationary base 202 form the preferred rotaxial linkage mechanism 300.The inner ends of the first and second links are preferably alsorotatably attached to a low friction contact device such as for example,wheels, rollers, gliders or casters that are attached between the linksand the base. The low friction contact device may also simply includethe use of low friction materials for the base and the links or a lowfriction piece of material attached to the inner end of the links. Therisers may be used to elevate the first and second links to compensatefor the space needed for the low friction contact device. The preferredembodiment employs wheels 350 and 352 as the low friction contactdevice.

Depending on the application, plate 306 can be eliminated and first andsecond links 304 and 308 may be connected directly to bottom plate 104.In the embodiment where the first and second links 304 and 308 areconnected directly to bottom plate 104, the first and second links, thebottom plate 104 and the base 202 form the rotaxial linkage mechanism.In yet another application the outer ends of the links can be rotatablyattached to the floor to form the rotaxial linkage mechanism. In thelatter embodiment appropriate spacers between the floor and the linksshould be employed to compensate for the distance needed by low frictioncontact device.

Top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 is preferably located between theoutside structure 200 and movable object 102. The top rotaxial linkagemechanism 400 is constructed, in one embodiment, substantially similarbottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. Top rotaxial linkage mechanism400 provides top support for the movable object 102 The outer ends oftop first and top second links 404 and 408 may be rotatably connected totop plate 210. Preferably the links 404 and 408 are rotatably connectedto vertical support members 204 and 206 by pins 410 and 412. The innerends of links 404 and 406 are preferably connected to a plate 406 bypins 414 and 416. Plate 406, in one embodiment, is bolted to top storageplate 106. As described with regard to the bottom rotaxial linkagemechanism, links 404 and 408 and plate 406 are connected serially andform a three link chain. As with the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism300 there are various embodiments that will provide the desired rotaxialmovement. Top and bottom rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400together with outside structure 200 form means to hold and support themovable object 102 and provide a predetermined path for its transitionalmovement from one alternate orientation to another.

Top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400, in one embodiment, is constructedsimilar to the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. As such, thelength of the links of top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 issubstantially same as the links in bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism300. Because of this, the respective pins of both bottom and toprotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400 are located on the same axesallowing relatively jam free rotation of the movable object 102.

In the presently preferred embodiment, bottom and top rotaxial linkagemechanisms 300 and 400 are connected to each other to form asynchronized rotaxial linkage mechanism. This facillitaes the movementof the movable abject helping to form a strong and rigid reversiblestorage structure that can hold significant load. The synchronizedrotaxial linkage mechanism preferaby comprises two rotaxial linkagemechanism interconnected in a manner that such that the first bottomlink and the first top link rotate around their respective outer endssimultaneously and strike the same length arc. Similarly, the secondbottom link and the second top link rotate around their respective outerends simultaneously and strike the same length arc. In the preferredembodment, a torsion bar 430 is used to interconnect the two rotaxiallinkage mechanisms. Preferably the outer end of torsion bar 430 isconnected to the first bottom link 304 at its pin 310 and the other endof the torison bar 430 is connected to first top link 404 at its pin 410to form a rigid coupling between first bottom link 304 and first toplink 404. Partially due to the rigid coupling, links 304 and 404 areable to rotate synchronously and reduce the possibility of jamming.Minimizing the possibility of jamming is an advantage of the presentinvention over the conventional rotating cabinetry design, such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,262. Another advantage of employingvertical bar 430 is to enhance the safety of the reversible storagesystem 100 since it reduces the possibility of being tip-over.

To provide additional strength, a fully synchronized rotaxial mechanismmay be employed. The fully synchronized rotaxial mechanism comprises asynchronized rotaxial mechanism with a rigid connection between thesecond top and second bottom links. The rigid connection, is preferablyaccomplished by adding a second torsion bar 440 and connecting one endof torsion bar 440 to seond bottom link 308 at pin 312 while the otherend of torsion bar 440 is connected to second top link link 408 at pin412 to form a rigid connection between links 408 and 308. This secondtorsion bar 440 increases the strength of the reversible storage system100 and with the first torsion bar 430 further decreases the likelihoodof jamming during movement.

FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate preferred features of wheels 350 and 352 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIGS. 1G and 1H, wheels 350 and 352 are attached to the bottom rotaxiallinkage mechanism 300. They are attached to the inner ends of bottomfirst and bottom second links 304 and 308 of the rotaxial linkagemechanism. The wheels support the load from the movable object 102 whenit rotates and also when it is in stationary position. Weight of themovable object 102 is transferred by the wheels to base 202. The wheelsroll across the base 202 in an arc as constrained by the rotation of thebottom links. The wheels 350 and 352 in this embodiment arenon-rotatably attached to the links 304 and 308. It should be noted thatthe wheels may also be rotatably attached. The non-rotatable attachmentfeature simplifies the design. Base 202 preferably has smooth surfacealong the arc struck by the rotation of the links to provide for smoothrotaxial movement of the movable object 102.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment that includes an electrical, phone orother data type outlet or connection in the movable object 102. This ispreferably accomplished by attaching cables 250 which may carryelectricity, phone signals, cable TV signals or other date signals, totop second link 408. For example cable 250 is shown used fortransporting electrical power and signals running from outside of thereversible storage system 100 along link 408 to the articles such as TV120, stereo system 122, lamp 138, and et cetera. In one preferredembodiment, the cable 250 includes a loop 252 at each point ofattachment that is sufficiently large to compensate for the movement ofthe second top link 408. While other types of cable connections existfor making theset types of connections and may certainly be employed,this loop type connection which may be used because the presentinvention allows an object to be alternatively reoriented withoutexceeding a 360 degree movement, may improve service life of the cables.In another embodiment, cables 250 run inside of link 408 or inside atorsion bar 440 that is hollow.

FIGS. 1J and 1K illustrate a reversible storage system 100 with alocking device 136 in accordance with the present invention. Lockingdevice 136 attached to frame wall 116. It has locking bolt 144 andspring loaded wedged bar 146. When locks are engaged they go inside theholes in the vertical member 206 of the outside structure 200. A purposeof having a locking device 136 is to secure stationary position of theframe from unintentional movements. The locking device 136, in oneembodiment, is operable with a key to protect cabinet from unauthorizedrotation and from unauthorized access to the other side of the cabinet.The rotating object 102, in one embodiment, has handles 240 on the sideof the object facilitating the rotation.

FIG. 1L shows a reversible storage system 100 having a control system1019 in accordance with the present invention. Control system controlsthe rotation of the movable cabinet through electrical systems andmechanical devices including a motor. Gear motor 260 is mounted at thetop of the vertical member 206 with hinge 262. Square telescopicallybuilt shaft 264, 266 transfers rotation to a worm 268 and then to a wormgear 270. Worm 268 and worm gear 270 with ball bearings 274 and 276located in the gear housing not shown in FIG. 1L. Output shaft of theworm gear attached to the top plate 106 of the storage. Rotation of themotor is transferred by described mechanism to the rotation of thestorage. Change of the storage position relative to the outsidestructure is compensated by telescopic shaft 264, 266 and also by hinge262.

FIGS. 1M and 1N illustrate a structure having an additional compartment170 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, thereis one more vertical wall 116 is installed inside of the rotating object102. This second wall 116 is installed with small distance from thefirst one. On the right side of the storage wall as shown in FIG. 1Mthere is opening on the sidewall 110. So there is additional “secret”compartment 170 in the storage that can be useful for many applicationssuch as storing maps and drawings. FIG. 1N shows a fully displayed map180 pulled out of the compartment 170.

In operation, movable object 102 shown in FIG. 1A is positioned with oneside of the movable object 102 open for access. This side is holdingbooks. Most of the time cabinet is in one of the stationary positions ororientations with one of two main sides open for access. In oneembodiment, some modifications of the built storage protective covers130, 132 should be unlocked for access to “open” side. FIG. 1A alsoillustrates another side of the movable object 102 faces the wall 210and therefore is not accessible.

To access the other side of the movable object 102, operation startsfrom release the locking device 136 if it is engaged. Then one pulls thecabinet frame away from the wall 210 using one of the handles 240.Because the pins 314 and 316 are part of the outside structure 200, themotion can be deduced from knowing the directions of the movement ofthese pins. The direction of the motion of the pins 314 and 316 isperpendicular to their links themselves. In starting position, links 304and 308 are parallel, therefore motion of the movable object 102 atstarting point is rectilinear without rotation. Moveable object 102 isdirected away from the wall 212 with small angle to the one of the leftor right sides. Transitional positions of the storage rotation are shownon FIGS. 1B-1D. FIG. 1E shows second standard position for access of thearticles that are held on opposite side to the first access side. Thissecond side is shown with articles related to TV and stereo system. Onecan engage locks 136 if needed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a storage structure 100 with different storagearticles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 shows the application of the storage structure 100 for holding orsafekeeping collectibles 152 and 154, such as knives and coins. Holder160 holds knives and coins in place. The second side of storagestructure 100 may be used for storing books. Above one of the cabinetshelves lamps 138 may be located to provide light when it is needed. Forkeeping articles from sliding off the movable object 102, holders, suchas 160 can be added for stronger attachment of the articles to one ofthe accessible sides. In addition to the depicted holder, cells, clamps,brackets, hooks, locks, etc., can be used.

FIG. 3 illustrates a structure with different storage articles inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 showsthe safekeeping of the firearms 156 and 158, wherein the firearms 156and 158 are held to the movable object by holders 142.

FIG. 4A-4D illustrate a structure 1300 having light articles storages1106 and 1116 mounted on a desk 1202 in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 4A shows two designs of light articlestorages 1106 and 1116 that are shown in two alternate positions. Thereare two minor differences in their common components. In one embodiment,the length of the fourth, stationary link defined by distance from joint1310 to joint 1312 is shorter than the size of the bottom plate 1104.This particularity that length of the stationary links 1310 and 1312 islarger than the bottom plate 1104 allows implementation of simplestraight torsion bars outside of the storage frame to connect lower andupper outside links (1304 with 1404 and 1308 with 1408).

Second difference between common components of invention implementationsshown in FIG. 4A and FIGS. 1A-E is as follows. In FIG. 4A-4D, one accessside is shown with shelves, second opposite access side is shown blankwithout shelves. It can be used for simplified storage to post notes,calendars, list of things to do, or just to use it as a black board orscreen, etc. If desired, second access side also can have more developedstorage accommodations. They can be different depending on articles tobe stored.

All common parts in FIGS. 1 and 4 are designated with the same numbers.FIG. 4A shows a right storage 1106 in first starting position with sidelabeled “open” available for access. A left storage 1116 is shown inrotated 180° in opposite and alternate position as the right storage1106. Side labeled “open” is facing back wall 1212 and this side isclosed for access. Both storages 1102 are mounted on the simplifiedoutside structure that in this embodiment is the top plate 1202 of thedesk or table. Back wall 1212 is optional.

FIG. 4B shows exploded view of FIG. 4A with visible parts of bottomrotaxial linkage mechanism 1300. Mechanisms of both storages areidentical but shown in alternate positions corresponding to the storagesbeing in opposite positions.

FIG. 4C shows exploded view of the structure 1320 when storages are inreversed position relative to FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4D showscross-section of the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 1300 through thelink 1308. This cross-section shows standard design of the all links andtheir hinged connection to the stationary base 1202 and to the movablelink 1104 where it is at the same time the bottom plate of the storage1102. Joints 1312 and 1316 in this embodiment are constructedsubstantially the same. For simplicity of the example, joints 1312 and1316 are shown without special rotation bearings. Joints 1312 and 1318are made from metal. Link 1308 is made from plastic with goodtribological performance to provide good friction pair to the joints.Being made from plastic link 1308 will have also good frictionperformance when it is sliding on the surfaces of the stationary plate1202 or bottom plate 1104. In another optional configuration joints andlinks can be made from metal with bearings installed between them. Toimprove sliding between the links and the plates 1202 and 1104, linkscan be covered on their sliding surfaces with fabric or felt with goodfriction properties.

FIGS. 5A-5E, 6A-6E, 7A-7E, 8A-8E show examples of different geometricalvariations of link system for performing rotaxial movement in accordancewith the present invention. Also these figures demonstrate the principleof how these implementations work. To simplify the demonstration ofworking principle of present invention, only bottom plate 104 ofrotating storage is shown. All movements of the bottom plate 104 asshown in FIG. 1A, will represent the movements of the proposedreversible storage relative to the stationary base 202.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom plate 104 of the reversible storage system100 at points B and C connected respectively by revolute joints 314 and316 to links 304 and 308. Outside ends of the links 304 and 308connected by revolute joins 310 and 312 to stationary base 202. In thetheory of mechanisms stationary plate 202 can be viewed as stationarylink AD. Three links AB, BC and CD represent movable serially connectedpart of the mechanism where bottom plate 104 of the reversible storagecan be viewed as middle link BC also designated as 306. Movablethree-link chain AB, BC and CD together with stationary link ADrepresents four-link mechanism that determines the positions and theprocess of movement of bottom plate 104 and therefore determines thepositions and the process of movement of reversible storage cabinetwhereby is being means of holding storage cabinet relative to stationarybase 202.

FIG. 5A-5E are diagrams illustrating a compound movement link mechanismfor the storage structure in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 5A-5E, figures show the essence ofinner workings of implementation shown on FIG. 4A-4D. These figures canrepresent also invention embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E withshortened stationary link AD. For more exact representation illustratedin FIGS. 1A-1E, joints A and D should be outside of the bottom plate 104(or plate 104 should be shorter than link AD).

In one implementation, revolute joints A and D are located at remotesides of the stationary base generally in the middle area of short, leftand right sides of the storage frame. Points B and C for revolute joints314 and 316 are located on different sides of the line AD generallysymmetrically relative to this line. Also joints B and C located at themiddle of the front and backsides of the bottom plate 104. In order forbottom plate 104 to rotate between alternate positions spaced generally180° apart BC is generally perpendicular to AD in starting position ofthe storage, i.e. FIG. 5A.

The process of reversing the position of the plate 104 (i.e. movablestorage) from the starting position of FIG. 5A to 180° reversed finalposition in increments of 45° is shown on FIGS. 5B-5E. Rotation of theplate 104 starts by pulling right side of the movable object representedhere by plate 104 in direction from back to front. In all transitionalpositions as seen on FIGS. 5B-5D storage as represented here by bottomplate 104 is not crossing backside of the stationary plate 202.Available clearance shown as dimension “a” serves as needed margin forthis requirement. In this embodiment for not obstructed rotation of thestorage there should be some clearance on left and right sides of themovable object 102.

FIG. 6A-6E are schematic representations 100 illustrating an operationsof the storage with outside joints of the four link mechanism moved backon the stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 6A shows, in one embodiment, the locations of points Aand D representing revolute joints 310 and 312, which are moved back onstationary base 202. Locations of revolute joins B and C are shiftedleft (as shown in FIG. 6A) on bottom plate 104. Line BC remainsperpendicular to AD on starting position.

FIGS. 6B-6D show transitional rotation of plate 104 in steps of 45° to aposition shown in FIG. 6E in which plate 104 is in 180° reversedposition relative to starting position of FIG. 6A. Previously back sideof bottom plate 104 shown in FIG. 6A that did not have access to itoccupies now front position in FIG. 6E and became accessible now. Thisembodiment shows that in transitional positions especially close toposition as shown in FIG. 6C points B and C are not moved so muchforward as shown in FIG. 5C. This means that stationary plate 202 thatsupports wheels 350 and 352 (see FIG. 1F) located generally under therevolute joints B and C does not need to extend much forward, it can besmaller. Also this variation of present invention saves space in frontof the storage for transitional positions of the storage and can be morestable against tip-over.

For clarity of the explanation of the principal differences betweendifferent modifications of the present invention the changes are shownon the drawings but secondary differences, mostly dimensional are notreflected on the drawings. For example, FIG. 6A shows joints A and D, Band C that are located at positions that allow some uniformity with theother drawings but for optimization of each particular embodimentlocations of these joints could be changed. For example, joints A, Dshown in FIG. 6A could be moved more apart from each other to allow evenbetter clearance than shown on FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A-7E are schematic representations 700 illustrating operations ofthe storage with outside joints of the four link mechanism located indiagonal corners of the stationary plate in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, joints A and Das shown in FIG. 7A are located at diagonal corners of stationary plate7202. Joints B and C are located on the bottom plate 7104 approximatelyin the middle areas of its front and back sides at positions ondifferent sides of the line AD and line BC in starting position as shownin FIG. 7A is perpendicular to line AD.

FIGS. 7B-7D show transitional rotation of plate 7104 in steps of 45° toposition shown in FIG. 7E where plate 7104 is in 180° reversed positionrelative to starting position of FIG. 7A. Previously back side of bottomplate 7104 shown in FIG. 7A that did not have access to it occupies nowfront position in FIG. 7E and became accessible now. One of the mostimportant advantages of this embodiment is that during rotation for 180°in all transitional positions the movable storage generally does notneed clearance or additional space for rotation. This is because duringrotation of the storage its transitional positions are shifted away fromthe generally short side, particularly the side where one of the jointsA and D is moved forward. The left side as shown in FIG. 7A does notneed extra clearance. One of the applications when this advantage can berealized is when two storage cabinets are located side by side next toeach other as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C.

FIG. 8A-8A schematic representations 800 illustrating operations of thestorage with outside joints of the four link mechanism located indiagonal corners of the stationary plate and storage rotating 90°between positions of alternate access in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 8A shows another modification of presentinvention. It can be viewed in comparison with previous example ashaving stationary base 8202 and bottom plate 8104 generally as squareplates.

As shown on FIG. 8A, for clarity but not necessary in real embodiment,stationary plate 8202 is larger than bottom plate 8104. Joints A and Dare located at remote diagonal locations of the stationary plate 8202. Band C joints are located at positions of bottom plate 8104 generallysymmetrically to the center point O of the line AD in a such way thatline BC forms 45° angle with the line AD. Plate 8104 has optionalrounded corners 170. On back and right sides of the storage are shownobstacles 8220 and 8222. They can be walls, barriers, other similarcabinets, etc. For easer understanding of the process of rotating thestorage from starting access position as shown in FIG. 8A to reversed,final access position as shown in FIG. 8E bottom plate 104 has labelsmarking all four sides as viewed from starting position.

Because of 45° degree angle between BC and AD angular distance betweentwo alternate access positions is 90° (not 180° as in previousexamples). Transitional positions from starting to final position areshown in intervals of 22.5° shown in FIGS. 8B-8D. During rotation of thebottom plate 8104 this plate will not interfere with back and sidewallsof 8220 and 8222 especially if it has rounded corners 8170 or if thereis even minor clearance between bottom plate 104 and walls 220 and 222.Because of the rotation of the plate 104 for alternating access to thesides of the storage is 90° (not 180° as in previous examples)alternating access to the sides of the storage is planned differently.For example, a storage structure may be organized into front andbacksides (as shown in FIG. 8A) for holding articles. Left and rightsides are blank. Only front side as shown in FIG. 8A has access to itsarticles and backside is blocked from accessing to articles by wall8220. After storage rotation by 90° clockwise to position as shown inFIG. 8E “front” labeled side has no access because it is blocked by wall8222. “Back” labeled side is open for access from the right side.

Second example of storage structure is that only front side hasdeveloped storage structure for holding essential articles while otherthree sides could be just blank walls. Then rotation of storage by 90°will block access to storage completely. Rotation of the storage back tostarting position will open front side again for access. There could bemore other applications of present inventions that could differ indetails but follow the essentials of proposed inventions. To rotatebottom plate 8104 as representing storage rotation backward from finalalternate access position to starting alternate access position for allfour previous examples one has to follow shown figures from “E” to “A”.

FIG. 9A-9B are diagrams 900-920 illustrating a storage designed forlight loads mounted on a desk with rotaxial designed illustrated in FIG.8A-8E. FIG. 9A represents practical implementation of proposed inventionper modification shown on FIG. 7A-7E. FIG. 9A shows two storages 9002and 9004 as shown. For clarity the sides for storage access are labeled“open”. In this example, they are on the front sides of startingposition. Details of operation and construction are similar to stepsshown in FIG. 4A-4D.

FIG. 9B shows exploded view of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C shows exploded view ofthe storage when it is rotated 90° counterclockwise for left storage andclockwise for right storage. In these alternated positions, open sidesof the storage are blocked by neighboring storage. In this example, twostorages are located next to each other and do not interfere with eachother during rotation utilizing the advantages of the scheme representedin FIGS. 7A-7E.

FIG. 10A-10C are diagrams 2100 illustrating a storage rotating betweenalternative accessing positions around horizontal axes in accordancewith one embodiment of present invention. FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C showsimplified and modified version of structure shown in FIG. 1A in whichFIG. 10A shows nominal starting position of the storage while FIG. 10Bshows an 180° reversed of the storage with alternative accessingposition of the storage. FIG. 10C shows explored view of the storage instarting position. Simplification is achieved by omitting optionalfeatures of the design shown in FIG. 1A-1L including omitted torsionbars, wheels, lamps, cables, glass covers, locks, trimmings, etc. Amodification of this embodiment is means for holding the storage framewhereby giving the storage its kinematical determination are located notat the bottom and top sides of the frame but on the left and right sidesof the storage frame. It looks like vertical storage as shown in FIG. 1Awas turned back 90° from vertical to horizontal position. In thisposition previously front side shown in FIG. 1A became upper side ofstorage shown in FIG. 10A. Previously bottom side became right side andpreviously right side became front side as shown in FIG. 10B.

All common parts shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 1A are shown with thesimilar number designations. The storage 2100 includes movable object2102 that is to hold articles, also the storage includes means to holdproper storage 2102 in which box 2200 represents optionally developedoutside structure and rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 (right one) and400 (left one). Movable object 2102 is build in this example as flathorizontal box open from top and bottom includes right plate 2104, leftplate 2106, and optional front and back walls 2108 and 2110. The framealso includes cellular holder 2160 to hold articles that are not shownhere for generalization purposes. Top holder is arbitrary shown in thisexample as having 48 cells for articles and bottom holder 2162 shown inFIG. 10B has 24 cells.

Holding means include box 2200. Box 2200 has optional cover 2250. Rightand left walls 2202 and 2210 of the box 2200 serve as stationary basesof the right and left side rotaxial linkage mechanisms 2300 and 2400respectively for holding of proper storage 2102. There are also frontand back walls 2204 and 2206, respectively.

Right rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 and left rotaxial linkagemechanism 2400 connect storage 2102 with outside box 2200. FIG. 10Cshows details of the right rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300. Leftrotaxial linkage mechanism 2400 is not visible on this view but it isgenerally the same as rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 as beingsymmetrical to it on the other side of the storage. Links 304, 306 and308 of rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 connected serially represent themovable part of the rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 and by their outsideends connected to the stationary box wall 2202 by pins 2310 and 2312.Links 2304 and 2308 by their inner ends connected to the right plate2104 of the storage 2102 by pins 2314 and 2316.

Movable three-link chain 2304, 2306 and 2308 together with stationarylink 2202 represents four-link mechanism, which determines the positionsand the process of movement of bottom plate 2104 and thereforedetermines the positions and the process of movement of reversiblestorage 2102 whereby is being means of holding storage cabinet relativeto the stationary base 2202. The same is true for left rotaxial linkagemechanism 2400. Because of the substantial symmetry of the right andleft rotaxial linkage mechanisms 2300 and 2400 and the relativeuniformity of the gravitational load this embodiment even withouttorsion bars is providing generally jam free reversing of the storage1102 for alternative accesses to upper and bottom sides of storage 1102.If there is more demanding application for strength, reliability andsmoothness of the operation of the storage then storage can be modified,e.g. by introducing torsion rods.

FIG. 11A-11D are diagrams 2400 illustrating application of proposedinvention with for four square storages mounted next to each other onone square stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of presentinvention. FIGS. 11A-11D show an embodiment of four substantiallyidentical storages located next to each other in circular symmetryaround central axis. There is no obstruction around this group ofstorages. This group of storages can be accessed from all four sides.Stationary plates of all four storages combined into one commonstationary plate 3202 serving all four proper storages 3102. Each properstorage 3102 has one side with developed shelving 3112. For clarity onthe top of each storage label “open” is placed on the side with shelvingfor each storage 3102.

Detailed mechanical operation of this embodiment is similar to theoperation shown in FIGS. 8A-8E. FIG. 11B shows all four proper storagesrotated 90° clockwise to the second alternated positions. All four“open” sides with open shelves are closed for access.

FIG. 11C shows a top view of the structure shown in FIG. 11B includingrotaxial linkage mechanism 300 links conditionally shown as visiblethrough the storage parts. Designations of the components are similar todesignations shown in FIG. 8A. There is a convenience if rotation of allfour storages is synchronized so that making one storage box to rotatemakes all four storages to rotate. In addition to rotating all storageboxes at once, when all storage boxes rotate simultaneously, there ismore margin for clearance between them because each box is moving awayfrom the common center and gives more clearance for itself and two ofits neighboring boxes.

There could be many different schemes applied for simultaneous rotationof these four boxes. FIG. 11D shows top view of one of the simplerdesigns in accordance with the present invention. Generally square shapemember 3330 rotates around central axis “O”. This member has at each ofits corners four identical joints 3332. Each of these joints 3332connected by link 3334 to links 3304 at joints B. Because of circularsymmetry of the system, rotation of all storages 3102 is synchronized.Theoretically, there is dead point for rotation when link 3306 and link3308 are on one line, but as with other similar mechanisms continuationof the storage rotation by inertia resolves these situation for allpractical purposes.

This note relates to all other features not only to handles. Anotherimportant note relates to the meanings and usages of terminology. In thetheory and technology different people prefer to use different words fordescription of same or similar things. This description is using thesewords interchangeably, not taking particular stand on this issue.Similar situation is with using words as storage, cabinet, storagecabinet, bookcase, hatch, etc.

Another example of interchangeability of words relates to the wordsrotate, reverse, transpose, etc. Description is using the word rotate inwide application of it—rotation not necessary about static axis butrotation about axis that can be different at different moments (likerotation about momentary axes). Reverse and transpose relates mostly toresults of motion than to process of motion.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determinedby the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it willbe appreciated that the scope of the present invention encompasses otherembodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, andthat the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited bynothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an elementin the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unlessexplicitly so stated, but rather “one or more”. All structural,chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described preferred embodiment that are know to those of ordinaryskill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and areintended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is notnecessary for a device or method to address each and every problemsought to be solved by the present invention for it to be encompassed bythe present claims.

FIG. 12A-12D are diagrams illustrating a wheel system attached to a linkin accordance with one embodiment of present invention. FIG. 12A shows atop view of wheel system 4200 having two wheels 4202-4204 and a wheelframe 4210. The wheels 4202-4204 are mounted in a middle bar 4212 of thewheel frame 4210. The wheels 4202 contact the ground or track while aportion of wheel frame 4210 attaches to the rotating object. During theoperation, the wheels 4202-4204 can move in a predefined trajectorywhile a portion of wheel frame 4210 that attaches to the rotating objectcan move in a different orientation so that a rotaxial movement can beaccomplished.

FIG. 12B shows a cross-section view of a wheel system 4250 in accordanceof one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12B, aportion of the wheel frame 4210 attaches to the rotating object ormoving cabinet 4232 while another portion of the wheel frame 4210attaches to a link 4230 for performing link assisted rotaxial turning.

FIG. 13A-13C are diagrams illustrating a rotating frame capable ofattaching a set of wheels in accordance with one embodiment of presentinvention. FIG. 13A illustrates a rotating frame 4300 having top plate4302 and bottom plate 4304. In one embodiment, the bottom plate 4304further includes two wheel-mounting places 4306-4308. The wheel mountingplaces 4306-4308 are capable of mounting wheel frames 4210 with sets ofwheels 4202-4204. The wheels 4202-4204 are further attached to two linksfor controlling the turning of the movable object.

FIG. 13B is a 3D picture illustrating a structure 4310 having a two-linksystem with wheels wherein the bottom plate 4304 of the rotating framehas turned in 90 degree (extending forward) from a set position. Setposition means one side of rotating object is accessible while anotherside of rotating object is not accessible because it is covered by theback wall. The structure 4310 includes a bottom plate 4304, two links4312-4314, ground plate 4320, and wheels 4210. In one embodiment, thebottom plate 4304 performs a rotaxial movement in response to themovement of the links 4312-4314.

FIG. 13C is a 3D structure 4350 having a bottom plate 4304 of therotating frame 4300 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The structure 4350 shows the bottom plate 4304 in a setposition.

FIG. 14 is a set of diagrams illustrating a rotating object 4400performing a rotaxial movement in accordance with one embodiment ofpresent invention. FIG. 14 is a top view of the rotating object 4400wherein the rotating object 4400 has a rotating axis 4402. Also, theobject 4400 has two sides 4404-4406. The set of diagrams shows asequence of rotaxial movement to reverse the side between side 4404 andside 4406 of the object 4400. During the operation of rotaxial movement,the object 4404 is transported from front side to back side by compoundmotion. Compound motion, in one embodiment, means rotating the objectaround its rotating axis while the rotating axis moves alone apredefined trajectory. Upon the completion of the rotaxial movement orrotaxial rotation, the object is back to the same space with a differentorientation.

In the foregoing specification the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made theretowithout departing from the broader scope of the invention. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than restrictive sense.

1. An apparatus comprising: an object having a first side and a secondside; an outside structure having a first side and a second side,wherein said first side of outside structure is situated at asubstantially fixed distance from said second side of outside structure;a first end of a first link coupled to said first side of outsidestructure and a second end of first link coupled to said object; and afirst end of a second link coupled to said second side of said outsidestructure and a second end of second link coupled to said object,wherein said object is capable of performing a rotaxially rotation inresponse to said first and second links.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising: a first end of a third link coupled to said firstside of outside structure and a second end of third link coupled to saidobject; and a first end of a fourth link coupled to said second side ofsaid outside structure and a second end of fourth link coupled to saidobject, wherein said object is capable of performing a rotaxiallyrotation turning from said first side of object to said second side ofobject in response to said third and fourth links.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 further comprising: a first end of a first bar coupled to saidfirst link and a second end of first bar coupled to third link; and afirst end of a second bar coupled to said second link and a second endof second bar coupled to said fourth link, wherein said first and secondbars assist said object to perform a rotaxially movement.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said object is a storage structure.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said first end of first link is pivotallyattached to said first side of outside structure and said first end ofsecond link is pivotally attached to said second side of outsidestructure.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said second end of firstlink is pivotally attached to a third side of object and said second endof second link is pivotally attached to said third side of object. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rotaxially rotation includes acompound motion that allows said object to return to the same space atthe end of motion with one of multiple predefined object orientations.8. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: a first wheel coupled tosaid third link for supporting said third link; and a second wheelcoupled to said fourth link for supporting said fourth link.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said object is a storage device having twoseparate storage sections, wherein one storage section is on said firstside of object and another storage section is on said second side ofobject.
 10. An apparatus comprising: a outside structure having a firstside and a second side, wherein said first side of said outsidestructure is situated at a substantially fixed distance from said secondside of said outside structure; a first link rotaxially attached to saidfirst side of said outside structure and a first plate; a second linkrotaxially attached to said second side of said outside structure andsaid first plate; a third link rotaxially attached to said first side ofsaid outside structure and a second plate; and a fourth link rotaxiallyattached to said second side of said outside structure and said secondplate.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a movablestructure having a top plate and a bottom plate, wherein said top plateof said structure is coupled to said first plate and said bottom plateof said structure is coupled to said second plate, wherein saidstructure is capable of performing rotaxially movement in response tosaid first, second, third, and fourth links.
 12. The apparatus of claim11, wherein said movable structure is a storage device, wherein saidstorage device includes two storage sections.
 13. The apparatus of claim10, wherein said first side of said outside structure is situated at asubstantially fixed distance from said second side of said outsidestructure further includes a top frame plate and a bottom frame plate,wherein said top and bottom frame plates are coupled to said frame andprovide support of said substantially fixed distance between said firstside and second sides of said outside structure.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein said first link rotaxially attached to said first sideof said outside structure and a first plate further includes: a firstend of said first link pivotally coupled to said first side of saidoutside structure; a second end of said first link pivotally coupled toa first end of said first plate; a second end of said first platepivotally coupled to a second end of said second link; and a first endof said second link pivotally coupled to said second side of saidoutside structure.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said thirdlink rotaxially attached to said first side of said outside structureand a second plate further includes: a first end of said third linkpivotally coupled to said first side of said outside structure; a secondend of said third link pivotally coupled to a first end of said secondplate; a second end of said second plate pivotally coupled to a secondend of said fourth link; and a first end of said fourth link pivotallycoupled to said second side of said outside structure.
 16. The apparatusof claim 11 further comprising: a first end of a first bar coupled tosaid first link; a second end of said first bar coupled to said thirdlink; a first end of a second bar coupled to said second link; and asecond end of said second bar coupled to said fourth link, wherein saidfirst and second bars assist said rotaxially movement.
 17. A devicehaving multiple access sides comprising: a movable structure for holdingat least one article; means for holding said movable structure, saidmeans including a first two link mechanism so that said movablestructure is capable of performing a rotaxial movement.
 18. The deviceof claim 17, wherein said movable structure is a cabinet having a frontstorage section and a back storage section.
 19. The device of claim 17,wherein said two link mechanism includes a first link and a second link.20. The device of claim 19, wherein said two link mechanism includes athird link, wherein said first, second, and third links are movable andserially connected, two outside links are pivotally coupled.
 21. Thedevice of claim 17 further comprising a second two link mechanismlocated at opposite side of movable structure, wherein said second twolink mechanism includes a third link and a fourth link.
 23. The deviceof claim 21, wherein said first link of said first two link mechanism isrigidly connected to corresponding third link of said two link secondmechanism.
 24. The device claim 17, wherein said means for holding saidmovable structure further includes a motor system for facilitatingrotaxially rotation automatically.
 25. A method for providing astructure having movable object comprising: attaching a first end of afirst link to a first surface of an object; attaching a first end of asecond link to said first surface of object; moving said object througha trajectory from its original space through a rotaxially rotation inresponse to said first and second links; changing orientation of saidobject; and moving said object back to its original space.
 26. Themethod of claim 25 further comprising: attaching a second end of firstlink to a first support; and attaching a second end of second link to asecond support.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein moving said objectthrough a trajectory away from its original space with rotaxiallyrotation further includes transporting said object by moving objectaxial alone a predefined trajectory while said object rotates around itsaxial.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein changing orientation of saidobject further includes rotating said object by moving object axialalone a predefined trajectory while said object rotates around itsaxial.
 29. The method of claim 25, wherein moving said object back toits original space further includes rotating said object back to itsoriginal space by moving object axial alone a predefined trajectorywhile said object rotates around its axial.
 30. The method of claim 25further comprising: attaching a third link to a second surface of anobject; and attaching a fourth link to said second surface of object